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Blackman urges Reading to be more ruthless

Reading's Nick Blackman has called on his side to be more ruthless in the Championship next season.

Blackman played the second half of his side's 4-2 defeat against West Ham on Sunday and claims the defeat was typical of some of their performances in 2012-13.

The former Sheffield United man believes Reading have played well at times throughout the season but have not been clinical enough when it has mattered, leading them to be relegated from the Premier League.

"We are very frustrated with how this season went, we got ourselves into great positions and didn't manage to hold on," he told The Reading Chronicle.

"The squad are determined to make sure that is not the case next season but we have to be ruthless in both boxes. When we get ourselves into winning positions we have to kill the game off.

"We were 2-2 at West Ham and had them on the ropes. We had a couple of chances and didn't kill them off, if we had it could have been another Fulham result [4-2 victory].

"If we can be ruthless in both boxes in the Championship we will be in a very strong position come this time next year."

Blackman has enjoyed limited starts at the Madejski Stadium since his move but feels he has grown as a player during his time there, creating a partnership with Adam Le Fondre in the process.

"I know what he is about, I have known for quite a few years and he is a really good finisher," Blackman continued.

"Personally I just wish the season would carry on because I have been happy with my last two performances.

"It has taken me a little while longer than I thought to get adjusted to the league but slowly I am doing it."